NATURE
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Nature Is Everywhere
I would love to be independently wealthy. And who wouldn't? I could travel the world shooting exotic animals on photo safaris. I would have the fastest and longest lenses available, a dependable tripod, and a van to hold all my film. That would be the day! But like many of you, I'm sure, most times I can barely keep up with the cost of a modest film supply and batteries. Photography is a business (or hobby) with high overhead costs.
KEEPING COSTS DOWN
My best advice, in the meantime, is to stay within a sensible photo budget. One way to keep costs down is to use equipment that is as simple as possible. Use what you have. There is no need to get a gadget bag full of expensive components which simply collect dust and add weight. If you don't really need that lens, don't buy it. If you have several working camera bodies, don't go out and get that brand new one just to be able to say you have it. Most of all, don't think you need to travel around the world to get great nature photographs. Nature is all around us.
WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH
Observe your local field and woodland animals and find the best ways to photograph them in natural settings. A little extra study and patience will help you to produce great pictures, which have a better chance of selling.
NATURE IS EVERYWHERE
Have you tried shooting nature photographs in your own back yard? If you have a macro lens and a good flash, think about insect photography. Spiders are always easy subjects because they stay put and give you time to set up the shot. Some spiders won't move even if you spray them with a fine mist of water!
I have always had good luck shooting butterflies in my garden with my inexpensive 70-300mm zoom lens. Bird feeders filled with assorted seeds can attract all kinds of local bird species. Set up a natural-looking perch "studio" near the feeder and birds will use it as a rest stop. This "studio" will allow you to control your shots, lighting and backgrounds, and get better quality pictures.
THE CAFETERIA
My favorite backyard wildlife subjects are the squirrels and chipmunks. These little critters may be a nuisance to some homeowners, but I have spent hours watching and photographing them. The funny little rodents can be found all year round. Almost tame, they have been known to eat nuts out of a hand or climb up legs. Just watch out, though; they are wild animals, not house pets. They do bite.
I use a 300mm f/4 lens and a few peanuts tossed out about 15 feet. The chipmunks will fill their cheeks with up to 4 peanuts, and run back to their burrows to store them. They return a minute later begging for more. Squirrels sometimes store the nuts, but usually they just eat, eat and eat.
Peanut butter brushed on the backside of a log or large rock will also attract squirrels and chipmunks. Set up your camera so you can't see the peanut butter and just wait for the critters to walk into frame. It will not take long. Snap! You've got yourself a wonderful photo!
NO HOUSE GUESTS, PLEASE
One last thing to remember. Never feed these little guys near your house door.
They learn very quickly where the food comes from and they will find a way into your house. A squirrel can really make a mess inside your home!
Scott Alan Johnson is a nature photographer; He lives in Berea, Ohio. Visit his website at http://www.fstopnature.com .
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